Avante Technology VT-EVC308-FF42 Electronic Voting Machine User Manual

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Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Polling Official’s

Manual

Avante International Technology, Inc.

VOTE-TRAKKER™Full-Face Voting Unit

Version 2.0

January 31, 2007

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Table of Contents

1 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................... 4

2 ABOUT THIS MANUAL.................................................................................................................. 8

3 BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE VOTING MACHINE ......................................................8

4 SETTING UP THE VOTING UNIT................................................................................................9

4.1 GETTING FAMILIAR WITH THE VOTING UNIT.............................................................................. 9

4.2 TURNING ON THE VOTETRAKKER™......................................................................................... 15

5 OPENING THE POLL.................................................................................................................... 25

6 ENCODING SMART CARDS .......................................................................................................28

6.1 CARD ENCODING UNIT ............................................................................................................... 28

6.2.1 SPECIAL CARDS ................................................................................................................31

6.2.2 ISSUE A VOTING SMART CARD ......................................................................................... 32

7 ASSISTING VOTERS DURING VOTING .................................................................................. 34

7.1 ACTIVATING A BALLOT .............................................................................................................34

7.2 VOTING VIA THE TOUCHSCREEN...............................................................................................35

7.2.1 WRITING IN A CANDIDATE ............................................................................................... 37

7.2.2 SKIP CHOICE(S)................................................................................................................ 39

7.2.3 CHANGING YOUR SELECTIONS.........................................................................................39

7.2.4 CHANGING DISPLAY SETTINGS ........................................................................................ 40

7.2.5 VOTING FOR A REFERENDUM OR INITIATIVE .................................................................. 41

7.3 CAST YOUR BALLOT AND REVIEW THE VVPB ............................................................................42

7.3.1 DO NOT PRINT VVPB .........................................................................................................43

7.3.2 PRINT A FINAL VVPB ONLY............................................................................................... 44

7.3.3 ALLOW REJECTION OF THE VVPB.................................................................................... 45

7.4 VOICE-ASSISTED VOTING .......................................................................................................... 46

7.5 PROVISIONAL VOTING ...............................................................................................................49

7.6 UNLOCKING A FLEEING VOTER SCREEN ................................................................................... 50

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

8 CLOSING THE POLL....................................................................................................................53

8.1 EXITING THE VOTING SCREEN................................................................................................... 53

8.2 CLOSING THE POLL ON EACH VOTING UNIT..............................................................................54

8.3 SHUTTING DOWN THE SYSTEM .................................................................................................. 57

8.4 DELIVERING THE TALLY RESULT .............................................................................................. 60

9 OTHER DUTIES .............................................................................................................................61

9.1 VOTING DEMONSTRATION (‘TEST VOTING’MODE).................................................................. 61

9.2 CHANGING THE PAPER ROLL.....................................................................................................63

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

1 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

THIS IS THE ELECTRICAL HAZARD SYMBOL. IT INDICATES THAT THERE ARE

DANGEROUS HIGH VOLTAGES PRESENT INSIDE THE VOTE TRAKKER. TO

REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE

ENCLOSURE OR GAIN ACCESS TO AREAS WHERE YOU ARE NOT INSTRUCTED TO

DO SO. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY.

THIS IS THE USER CAUTION SYMBOL. IT INDICATES A CONDITION WHERE

DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT OR INJURY TO THE OPERATOR COULD OCCUR IF

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES ARE NOT FOLLOWED. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF

DAMAGE OR INJURY, FOLLOW ALL STEPS OR PROCEDURES AS INSTRUCTED.

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

READ USER’S GUIDE – After installation, read the User’s Guide carefully before operating.

Follow all instructions carefully.

POWER SOURCES – This product should be operated only from the type of source indicated on

the manufacturer’s ID label. Installation should be in compliance with applicable sections of the

National Electric Code. Consult your local building code before installing.

VENTILATION – Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure

reliable operation of the product. To protect the unit from overheating, those openings must not

be blocked or covered. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation, such as a wall

cutout unless proper ventilation is provided.

WATER AND MOISTURE – Do not place containers with liquids such as coffee, water, sodas,

etc. on this unit. Do not operate this machine in a wet environment.

CLEANING – If it should become necessary to clean this equipment, disconnect the unit from its

power source first. Do not use liquid cleaners, aerosols, abrasive pads, scouring powders or

solvents, such as benzene or alcohol. Use a soft cloth lightly moistened with a mild detergent

solution. Ensure that the surface is fully dry before reconnecting power.

HEATING – Do not install this product near heat sources such as radiators, air ducts, areas

subject to direct intense sunlight, or other products that produce heat.

LIFT TABLE WARNING – WARNING! Hazardous Moving Parts. Keep fingers and other body

parts away.

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

POWER CORD PROTECTION – The power supply cord for this product should be routed or

installed in such a manner to protect it from being walked on or pinched. The unit should be

powered down completely before connecting or disconnecting the power cable. The power cord

should be removed before moving the unit. The power cord must be placed into an easily

accessible unobstructed socket outlet.

SERVICING – Do not attempt to service this unit unless specifically instructed to do so. Do not

attempt to gain access to areas of the unit where dangerous voltages are present. Refer servicing

to qualified service personnel.

DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE – Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer

servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

 When the power supply cord is damaged.

 If liquid has been spilled into the enclosure of the unit.

 If the product does not function normally by following the instructions in this guide. Adjust

only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of

other controls may result in damage and will often require rework by a qualified technician to

restore the product to its normal operation.

 If the product has been damaged in any way.

 When the unit displays a distinct negative change in performance.

BATTERY REPLACEMENT WARNING – CAUTION! Danger of explosion if battery is

incorrectly replaced. Replace only with same or equivalent type recommended by the

manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions and regards

to local law.

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

2 ABOUT THIS MANUAL

This manual contains instructions for polling officials on how to operate the VOTE-

TRAKKER™full-face touchscreen voting machine at a polling place. You may find detailed

information about the following operations:

 Setting up the voting machine and confirm the proper operation

 Opening the Poll

 Issuing Voting Cards

 Monitoring the voting process

 Closing the Poll

3 BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE VOTING MACHINE

A VOTE-TRAKKER™full-face touchscreen voting machine contains two major components –

a 42-inch LCD monitor with integrated processing unit, and a printer unit – that are mounted on

a height-adjustable cart. The 42-inch LCD monitor, which has an embedded touchscreen,

displays the ballot to the voter and reacts to physical contact as the voter makes his or her

selections. The printer unit prints the data sent to it by the monitor, such as a Voter Verifiable

Paper Audit Trail (VVPB) and the ‘Open Poll’ or ‘Close Poll’ tally report.

Each VOTE-TRAKKER™unit works independently. They are not networked to each other.

Every voting unit contains a card reader that controls access to the voting machine functions.

Polling officials need to have their own specially made smart cards for access to specific

functions on the machine, and a voter card is also required to display the proper ballot on the

voting unit.

This voting machine is designed to be user-friendly for handicapped voters. Each voting

machine can provide audio assistance for visually impaired and illiterate voters so that they may

vote independently via a specially modified keyboard.

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

4 SETTING UP THE VOTING UNIT

4.1 GETTING FAMILIAR WITH THE VOTING UNIT

Figure 4.1A shows the front view of a full-face voting unit, figure 4.1B shows the rear view, and

figure 4.1C shows a close-up of the battery box.

Figure 4.1A

Figure 4.1C

Figure 4.1B

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

The voting unit is attached to an electric-powered height-adjustable table with four articulating

wheels (omni-directional). A compartment that contains power-control components and

batteries sits at the bottom of the table. Depending on the required duration of power backup,

batteries may also be mounted in a front compartment as well.

Visible from the front side of the voting machine is the monitor and the printer unit, which is

mounted to the right of the monitor. A headphone jack is located at the lower left corner of the

monitor, as seen in figure 4.1D. The printer unit is used to print all the reports (including the

Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) that are required during the voting session. The power and

data wiring for the printer has been pre-installed so that you do not need to plug in anything to

the printer. The left side panel of the monitor has the CD drive, which is visible through the

corresponding opening in the plastic shell, as seen in figure 4.1E.

There is a voting machine access control unit mounted on a slide at the left side of the machine,

pictured in figure 4.1F. The poll worker uses this box to control access to the ballots on the

voting machine. There is a card reader, a counter-reset lock, and two counters: a non-resettable

‘Protective Counter’ and a resettable ‘Public Counter’. The ‘Protective Counter’ shows how

many ballots have been cast since the machine was built, while the “Public Counter” tells you

how many voters have cast a ballot in this election.

Figure 4.1E

Figure 4.1D

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

The table height adjustment switch is also located at the left side of the voting unit, underneath

the access control unit, seen in figure 4.1G. The table moves upward when you hold down the

‘’ arrow and stops automatically when it reaches the maximum height. Pressing and holding

the ‘’ button lowers the table. Release the button at any time to stop the movement.

Underneath the monitor, there is a power switch that requires a key to operate, as seen in figures

4.1H(1) and 4.1H(2). Using the key in the switch turns the machine on and off.

Figure 4.1F

Figure 4.1G

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Figure 4.1H(2)

Figure 4.1H(1)

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Now let’s look at the printer unit, pictured closed in figure 4.1I. Open the latches at the top and

sides of the printer unit, pictured in figures 4.1J(1), 4.1J(2), and 4.1J(3), and remove the top

cover. Figure 4.1K shows you the inside of the printer unit.

Figure 4.1K

Figure 4.1I Figure 4.1J(3)

Figure 4.1J(2)Figure 4.1J(1)

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

The printer is a thermal printer, which means that it does not use ink. Instead, it prints by heating

up a special type of paper to make it black.

Lastly, there are several keys that come included with this machine. The first is a brass key

(figure 4.1L(1)), which is used to open the battery door, the battery box, the access control

module door, and the front locks on the machine. The second is a circular key (figure

4.1L(2)), which opens the back of the monitor. This key is only used for maintenance

purposes, and is not necessary for normal election-day operation. The third is a small, silver

key (figure 4.1L(3)), which both turns on the machine and resets the public counter. The last

key is a very flat silver key (figure 4.1L(4)), which can be used to access the printer in the

event that the paper needs to be changed or the ballot box needs to be opened.

Figure 4.1L(3)

Figure 4.1L(2)Figure 4.1L(1)

Figure 4.1L(4)

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

4.2 TURNING ON THE VOTE-TRAKKER™

If the voting machines have been kept in a freezing environment, you MUST let the system

warm up to room temperature before turning it on.

Unlock the back door of the voting machine, depicted in figure 4.2A, to access the power cord

that extends from the battery compartment cover at the rear bottom of the table, shown in figure

4.2B. Plug it into a power outlet. You can have up to three Full-Face VOTE-TRAKKER™

machines connected to each 110V circuit.

Unlock the cover of the battery box (figure 4.2C) to access the TrippLite inverter (figure 4.2D).

Turn the system power on by moving the black switch, located on the upper right corner of the

inverter, to the LEFT position on the battery charger. Two columns of lights will light up.

Figure 4.2DFigure 4.2C

Figure 4.2A Figure 4.2B

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

If the machine is not receiving power, there are several things you should check. First, between

the two outlets on top of the TrippLite is a small circuit breaker, pictured in figure 4.2D(1).

Make sure that the ‘Reset’ button is pushed all the way down. If there was a short circuit in the

system, that button will pop up, and the TrippLite will stop working. Second, there is a set of

eight very small switches, shown in figure 4.2D(2). Make sure that the four on the left are in the

‘up’ position, and the four on the right are in the ‘down’ position.

Unlock the two locks on the front cover and the one on side door, seen in figures 4.2E and 4.2F,

respectively. Make sure the machine is at its lowest level. Lift the front cover and slide it into

place so that it fits into the rear set of grooves on top of the voting machine cabinet, depicted in

figure 4.2G.

Figure 4.2D(2)Figure 4.2D(1)

Figure 4.2E Figure 4.2F

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

If the lift table is not working, there are two things you can check. First, make sure that the table

is securely connected to the TrippLite (the lift table plug is the one with only two prongs). Also,

there is a control box mounted on the lift table with two plugs coming out from the bottom, as

seen in figure 4.2G(1). Reach toward the box and firmly push both plugs up into the box. There

is a chance that one or both of them may have come loose.

Now you must attach the privacy curtain to the voting machine (this process is pictured in figure

4.2H on the next page). First, raise the machine to its highest level. The privacy screen is made

up of the large purple curtain and attached rods mounted below the monitor. Remove the curtain

from the frame by releasing the Velcro loops at both ends of the machine. Next, lower the

machine as much as possible. Unfold the three rods so that the curtain resembles three sides of a

square. Lift the curtain and insert the two ends into the two openings in the top of the machine.

Slide them in as far as they can go. The privacy curtain has now been attached.

Figure 4.2G Figure 4.2G(1)

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Figure 4.2H

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Using the height adjustment button on side of the machine, raise the VOTE-TRAKKER to a

comfortable level. Insert the small silver key into the power switch keyhole and turn the key

clockwise to turn on the monitor. Release the key after the display turns on. If the screen does

not turn on, check to make sure the monitor is connected to the TrippLite (the monitor is the

three-pronged plug).

There are several tamper evident seals that need to be secured onto the voting machine, an

example of which is shown in figure 4.2I. There is a slot inside the printer on the door for the

ballot box, shown in figure 4.2I(1). In addition, there are two slots on the sides of the printer:

one on the left side (figure 4.2I(2)), and one on the right side (figure 4.2I(3)).

Figure 4.2I Figure 4.2I(1)

Figure 4.2I(2) Figure 4.2I(3)

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Once the computer screen is turned on, allow up to 2 minutes for the system to boot up. If the

screen freezes at figure 4.2J, turn off the TrippLite and unplug it from the wall for five minutes

before trying again. Wait until you see the following screen shown in Figure 4.2J(1).

Simply press the ‘OK’ button to continue to the next screen.

At this point, there are two error messages that you might get. The first one will let you know

that there is no flash drive inserted into the computer (figure 4.2K(1)). The second, that there is

no CDR in the CD drive (figure 4.2K(2)). If this message appears, make sure that there is a CDR

in the drive by pressing on the eject button next to the drive. If there is a CDR there, reinsert it

into the machine and reboot the system.

Figure 4.2J(1)Figure 4.2J

Figure 4.2K(1) Figure 4.2K(2)

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Wait until you see a screen resembling figure 4.2L appear, asking for a poll worker card.

Insert your poll worker card. If more than one poll worker is required to activate the voting unit,

the screen will prompt for another card after the first one is accepted. Remove the first card from

the machine, place the second card on the card reader, and press the OK button to continue.

If you put an invalid card onto the card reader at this time, you will get the screen shown in

figure 4.2N. For security protection, three consecutive failed login attempts will cause the

system to shut down.

Figure 4.2M

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

When the login is successful, the system will print a self-diagnostic report like the one shown in

figure 4.2O.

Figure 4.2N

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Figure 4.2O

Election Type: New York General Election

Test Time: 1/11/2007 17:01:41

Vote-Trakker: VTF0300611

Software Version 1.2.2(Full Face)

Hardware Version 1.4.0

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Machine ID: 644

Machine Code: HW

Allocated Name: VTF0300611

Machine Status: Begin

Paper Record: On Line

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Raw Data File is OK!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Device Test Status

Battery: UNKNOWN

Counter: NOT TESTED!

Printer: PASSED!

Smart Card: NOT TESTED!

Sound: PASSED!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Store Media Size (Available) Test

C:\Hard Drive 74275236 K AVAILABLE

D:\Hard Drive 34951808 K AVAILABLE

E:\CD-Writer 675400 K AVAILABLE

F:\Flash Mem 63568 K AVAILABLE

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beginning Public Counter Number

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending Public Counter Number

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beginning Protective Counter Number

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ending Protective Counter Number

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Polling Officials Signature

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------

_______________________________________

X---------------------------------------------------------------------------

_________________________________________

Observers: X-------------------------------------------------------------

__________

_________________________

Description of the Test Report:

Election Type: Primary or General.

Test Time: Time the report was printed.

Vote-Trakker: The network identification of the

VOTE-TRAKKER™.

Software Version: The version of the voting

software.

Hardware Version: The version of the VOTE-

TRAKKER™hardware.

Machine ID: Unique number assigned during ballot

generation.

Machine Code: Used for the paper records.

Allocated Name: The name assigned to this

particular VOTE-TRAKKER™.

Machine Status: Begin (prior to opening poll), Open

or Closed.

Paper Record: Online or Offline.

Raw Data File: Checks raw data file(s) for

availability and to make sure they are the same.

- Times are listed for opening, closing, first and last

vote.

- Each major device is checked for its operational

status.

- Each storage media is checked for available

memory size. If the storage media is missing, (e.g.

no floppy in drive) the system will not run as all 3

storage media are required for redundancy and tally.

All of the media storage should also be totally

empty.

On the printout shown in Figure 4.2O, spaces are

provided for the signatures and countersignatures of

all parties that observed the testing of the voting

machine.

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Unlock the printer’s top latch and open the printer’s front plastic cover to remove the report and

save it for audit purposes. There will be a small popup box, shown in figure 4.2P, instructing

you to do this. After you remove the printout, you should see Figure 4.2Q. The voting machine

is now ready to be activated for voting.

Figure 4.2Q

Figure 4.2P

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

5 OPENING THE POLL

Before a voting machine is ready for public voting, you must complete the ‘Open Poll’

procedure. The ‘Open Poll’ procedure is required only once during the entire election process.

Press the ‘Open Poll’ button on the screen depicted in figure 5A.

Figure 5B will appear, requesting that you reset the public counter back to zero. The counter

reset switch is located between the two counters. Turn the clockwise and return the key to its

original position. Check the zero reading of the public counter and press ‘Yes’ to confirm. The

machine will ask you one more time if you want to open the poll. Press ‘Yes’ to continue.

Figure 5B

Figure 5A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

The printer will print a zero-count verification report. Remove each page manually when it is

fully presented. Do not pull the paper until it comes out fully from the printer. Normally you

will have one set of zero reports for “Regular Voting”. There may also be additional reports for

‘Provisional’ and ‘After-hour Provisional’. When the printer finishes printing the zero report,

you will see a ‘Done’ confirmation screen, shown in Figure 5C.

If more than one page is printed, staple the reports together for this voting machine. Follow your

procedures for signing and maintaining this zero report. Press the ‘OK’ button on the screen,

depicted in Figure 5C.

This will bring you back to Figure 5A. Press the ‘Begin Voting’ button. The voting unit is now

ready for real voting. From this point until the poll is closed, the two counters will increase their

readings only when a ballot is cast. After every voting unit finishes printing the zero report, you

need to complete the following final checklist to finish the ‘Open Poll’ process.

Close the front cover of the printer unit and lock the latch at the top. Use a numbered security

seal to lock the display case on the printer, shown in figure 5D, to prevent access to the VVPB.

Figure 5C

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

The zero-count verification report for each machine should be collected and properly stapled.

The current reading of the public counter for each voting unit stays at zero and the current

reading for the protective counter is documented accordingly.

If you have completed the above checklist, your machine is ready for public voting. Once you

have the voter cards ready for voters, they can vote on these machines.

Figure 5D

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

6 ENCODING SMART CARDS

A voter card is required to activate a ballot. One option is that each voter gets assigned a card

after signing in at the check-in desk. Another procedure for activating ballots is that a polling

official with a universal smart card can activate the ballots as needed (this option does not

require issuing separate cards for each voter at the polling location). Below are the instructions

for how to set up the encoding system to issue a voting card for each voter.

6.1 CARD ENCODING UNIT

A standard card-encoding unit consists of a notebook computer and a smart card encoder.

The smart card encoder is connected to the computer via a serial cable (as seen in figure 6.1A).

There is a separate cable that supplies power to the encoder, also shown in figure 6.1A.

Card Encoding Unit

Figure 6.1A

Serial connection to the computer

Power and serial connections to the encoder

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

After you have connected the encoder, turn on your computer. When power is supplied to the

encoder, you should hear a beep and the red LED on the top panel of the encoder should be on.

Your computer will run the ‘Generate VID’ module automatically when it is turned on (you will

see figure 6.1B displayed on the computer screen).

Enter the appropriate username and password in Figure 6.1B. Click ‘OK’ to proceed or ‘Exit’ to

cancel the operation. After the correct login username and password are entered, you will see

Figure 6.1C.

Figure 6.1B

Figure 6.1C

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

If the message shown in figure 6.1C(1) comes up, disconnect the encoder from the computer,

shut down the computer, reconnect the encoder, and then restart the computer.

Figure 6.1C(1)

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

6.2 ENCODING A SMART CARD

To issue smart cards, a card encoder must be connected to the computer before the ‘Generate

VID’ program runs. If the ‘Issue Card’ button in Figure 6.2A is grayed out, the card encoder is

not properly connected with the computer. Use the ‘Link Encoder’ button in the top menu bar to

reset the encoder connection after you connect a smart card encoder to the computer.

Figure 5.2A shows a sample interface screen.

6.2.1 SPECIAL CARDS

Item No. ①: A ‘test voting’ card is issued for a particular ballot when the voting machine is not

opened for actual voting. This card is frequently used during pre-election logic and accuracy

testing or for educating voters in the use of the voting machine. To issue a ‘test voting’ card,

choose from the selections in area ②to indicate the desired ballot to be used (political party

selection is required for Primary elections only), place a smart card on the encoder (seen in

Figure 6.2A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

figure 6.2B), and click the ‘Issue a Test Voting Card’ button on the top menu. Once encoded,

this card can be reused until the voting machine is loaded with a new ballot database.

If the computer gives you an error message like the one in figure 6.2B(1), try either re-orienting

the card on the encoder, or using a different smart card.

6.2.2 ISSUE A VOTING SMART CARD

As voters check in at the poll book desk, they should be given voter cards according to their

jurisdictions. In area ②, select the correct information (from Jurisdiction down to Sub-Precinct)

and choose a political party (primary election only) that is applicable to the voter. The ‘Search

Precinct’ button on top of the ‘Precinct’ column allows you to find a certain precinct from a large

number of available precincts.

Figure 6.2B

Figure 6.2B(1)

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

In area ③, select the proper type of smart card to be issued. The following are the three types of

voting cards:

Regular: For properly registered voters. This is the most commonly used option.

Provisional: For voters whose registration cannot be verified at the polling place.

After Hour Provisional: For properly registered voters who have to cast their ballots after the

official time of poll-closing, because a court judge or other voting officials have demanded that

the poll hours be extended due to unusual circumstances.

After you have chosen the correct settings in areas ②and ③, place a smart card on the encoder

(a la figure 6.2B), and click the “Issue Card” button. You will see a ‘Done’ screen when the card

is successfully encoded, pictured in figure 6.2C. Give the encoded voter card to the voter.

Since provisional and after hour provisional ballots will be counted later, the randomly generated

session identifier (or VID number) will be used as a tracking number when counting the ballot.

Once a provisional card is issued, the VID number will be shown on the screen. The number

needs to be recorded onto the voter’s provisional ballot envelope. You may also need to tell the

provisional voter to seal the smart card into the envelope after the vote is cast in order to be

counted during the canvassing process (the election administrator will decide whether this step is

required).

Figure 6.2C

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

7 ASSISTING VOTERS DURING VOTING

As a polling official, you may need to assist voters who have questions about using the voting

machine. Therefore, you need to be familiar with how to vote on the voting unit.

7.1 ACTIVATING A BALLOT

Each voter receives a card allowing them to vote. Once getting a voter card, the voter should go

to any voting unit that has completed the ‘Open Poll’ procedure.

Figure 7.1A shows the first screen that a voter will see. This screen provides simplified voting

instructions for the voter.

When the voter arrives at the machine, the poll worker should take his or her card and lay it on

the card reader. The first screen you see may ask you to confirm that the card was encoded for

the correct Assembly District and Election District, as pictured below in figure 7.1B. If this is

not the first screen, skip this paragraph. Otherwise check to make sure that this information is

correct. If it is not, press the ‘Cancel Voting’ button, which will return you to figure 7.1A. If

this information is correct, press the ‘Continue Voting’ button to proceed to the next screen.

Figure 7.1A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

If the election provides ballots in multiple languages, the voter first needs to choose one by

pressing directly on the screen, as shown in Figure 7.1C.

7.2 VOTING VIA THE TOUCHSCREEN

For voters who have no problem seeing the ballot screen and using their hands or any stylus to

press the touchscreen, voting via the touchscreen the quickest and easiest option available to

them. Selections are made by touching on the screen.

Figure 7.2A shows a sample full-face ballot.

Figure 7.1C

Figure 7.1B

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Press anywhere inside a box to select that choice. The selection will be highlighted to

differentiate it from others. See figure 7.2B.

Figure 7.2B

Figure 7.2A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

7.2.1 WRITING IN A CANDIDATE

When choosing to enter a write-in candidate, a voter should press the ‘Write-in Candidate’

button for that contest. The screen depicted in figure 7.2.1A will appear. First name and last

name are required.

Press inside the white box next to the ‘First Name’ heading, and enter the candidate’s first name

using the on-screen keypad. Enter the ‘Last Name’ and ‘Middle Initial’ in the same manner to

complete your entry (middle initial is optional). Press the ‘OK’ button to record this write-in

entry. The voter can press ‘Cancel’ at any time to return to the full-face display.

One mistake the voter can make is to try and enter the candidate’s first and last names into the

same box. If this happens, the voter will receive the message shown in figure 7.2.1B. Simple

press the ‘OK’ button and correct the mistake to continue.

Figure 7.2.1A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

The ‘Slate Order’ box appears only if the write-in is for a ‘Slate’ contest (i.e. President and Vice

President). When you finish entering the first candidate’s name, you will be asked to write-in the

‘Vice Candidate’, as seen in figure 7.2.1C. Press the ‘OK’ button after you complete your entry

for the vice candidate.

You will now see your write-in displayed in the full-face screen, similar to figure 7.2.1D. You

may press the write-in box again to cancel that write-in.

Figure 7.2.1B

Figure 7.2.1C

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

7.2.2 SKIP CHOICE(S)

If you decide to under-vote in a contest, use the ‘Skip Choice(s)’ button. For example, if you

only want to select one candidate in a ‘Vote for 3’ contest, you may select your candidate and

then press the ‘Skip Choice(s)’ button. The machine will retain every candidate that you have

selected for this contest and fill in the rest as ‘Skip Choice(s)’.

7.2.3 CHANGING YOUR SELECTIONS

If you want to change your selections at any time during the voting process, press on your new

choice in a ‘Vote For One’ contest, and you will see that the new choice is highlighted to replace

the existing one for that contest. If the contest requires more than one choice, you need to de-

select an existing choice before a new choice can be registered. The machine indicates this to a

voter by displaying the message depicted in figure 7.2.3A. This is because the voting machine

does not know which existing choice you want to replace. To de-select an existing choice, press

that choice again so that the highlight is removed.

Figure 7.2.1D

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

7.2.4 CHANGING DISPLAY SETTINGS

To help those voters who are color-blind or vision impaired, the system provides two

color/contrast options in addition to the ‘Standard Display’, which are shown in Figure 7.2.4A.

Voters may press on the corresponding buttons at the bottom of the screen for ‘Black/White

Display’, ‘Reverse Tone Display’ or ‘Standard Display’ to choose the display option that is most

comfortable.

If the voter desires to increase the font size in full-face display because the font is too small, he

or she would press directly on the contest title to use the entire screen to display that contest in a

larger font size. See Figure 7.2.4B as a sample.

Figure 7.2.4A

Figure 7.2.3A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

After the voter makes the required number of selections in Figure 7.2.4A, the screen will

automatically return to the full-face display

7.2.5 VOTING FOR A REFERENDUM OR INITIATIVE

All referenda/initiatives are grouped together and separated from the other contests. You may

choose ‘Yes’, ’No’ or ‘Skip Choice(s)’ for each question. To see the details about a referendum

or initiative, press directly on the question title and the details will be shown in the entire screen.

After you make a selection, the screen will return to the full-face mode automatically.

Figure 7.2.4B

Figure 7.2.5A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

7.3 CAST YOUR BALLOT AND REVIEW THE VVPB

Once the voter has made all of his or her selections, press the ‘Cast Ballot’ button to cast the

ballot. If you do not vote for the required number of selections in any contest or referendum, you

will see the title of such contest/referendum highlighted with an under-vote alert message, as

shown in figure 7.3A.

You can press the ‘Make Change’ button and modify your selections. When you make the

required number of choices for each highlighted contest/referendum, the under-vote highlight on

the contest title will be removed automatically.

If you do not want to make any changes to your selections, press the ‘Cast As Is’ button to

proceed with casting your ballot.

Depending on your jurisdiction’s decision on how to implement the Voter Verified Paper Audit

Trail (VVPB), there are three possible scenarios for completing the voting process. Check with

your election administrator to see which scenario applies to your polling place. Once the voting

Figure 7.3A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

session is finished and the ballot is cast, the poll worker should return the voter card to the

encoding table.

Sections 7.3.1, 7.3.2 and 7.3.3 will show you the three possible scenarios.

7.3.1 DO NOT PRINT VVPB

If your jurisdiction has chosen not to print the VVPB or the printer has been turned off

temporarily to conserve power consumption during a power outage, you will see Figure 7.3.1A

after the first time that you press the ‘Cast Ballot’ button.

This is your last chance to change your selections. You can still press the ‘Close Message’

button and change anything you want. If you press the ‘Cast Ballot’ button again in Figure

6.3.1A, your voting session will be completed. You will see a ‘Thank you for voting!’ message

briefly displayed before the screen returns to Figure 7.1A, and is ready for the next voter.

Figure 7.3.1A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

7.3.2 PRINT A FINAL VVPB ONLY

If your jurisdiction has chosen to print a final VVPB after the voter has cast the ballot, you will

see the same screen as shown in Figure 7.3.1A after you press the ‘Cast Ballot’ button the first

time. If you press this button again to confirm casting the ballot, you will see Figure 7.3.2A

shown on the screen. Meanwhile, the printer will print the VVPB and present it for the voter to

review, as shown in Figure 7.3.2B.

The VVPB is presented behind the printer’s plastic cover to prevent the voter from retrieving it.

The voter can check that each selection is correctly listed on the VVPB. In this case, the voter

cannot change or reject this final VVPB. If the voter does not press the ‘Retract Paper Record’

button to deposit the VVPB within the preset time limit, the screen will change to Figure 7.3.2C

to ask the voter whether he/she needs more time to review the VVPB.

Figure 7.3.2A

Figure 7.3.2B

Figure 7.3.2C

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

If the voter chooses to continue reviewing the VVPB, the screen will change back to Figure

7.3.2A and the VVPB will remain in the display area. If the voter choose to deposit the VVPB

or does not make any selection within a preset time limit, the printer will withdraw the VVPB

and deposit it into the VVPB compartment at the bottom of the printer unit.

7.3.3 ALLOW REJECTION OF THE VVPB

If your jurisdiction has chosen to print a VVPB and allow voters to reject it, figure 7.3.3A will

appear after you press the ‘Cast Ballot’ button the first time. Meanwhile, the VVPB is presented

by the printer, as shown in Figure 7.3.3B.

After reviewing the VVPB, if you press the ‘Cast Ballot’ button again, the VVPB will be

withdrawn and deposited into the printer unit. You have finished voting and you can leave the

voting booth.

If you decide to change your selection after reviewing the VVPB, you can change the selection

on the touchscreen. When you press the ‘Cast Ballot’ button after you make the change, the

current VVPB will be withdrawn and another VVPB will be printed to reflect any changes and

presented for your review. Your voting session is completed when you press the ‘Cast Ballot’

Figure 7.3.3BFigure 7.3.3A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

button to accept the VVPB or when you have reached the maximum number of changes to the

VVPB as set by your jurisdiction.

7.4 VOICE-ASSISTED VOTING

If a voter cannot vote via the touchscreen or cannot read, he or she can vote independently using

voice-assisted voting. As a polling official, you may help a visually impaired voter find the

keyboard and the headphones and select his or her desired language if multiple language ballots

are available. Once the ballot is presented on the screen, you need to press the “F9” key on the

keyboard to start the voice-assisted voting feature. If the headphones have a built-in volume

control, you may inform the voter of how to adjust the volume. You can now step away from the

voting machine and come back only if the voter needs any help.

The voter will hear the voting instructions through the headphones. First, the voter will get

familiar with the keyboard, pictured in figure 7.4A. There are four specially shaped buttons on

the keyboard, one at each corner of the keyboard unit.

Lower Right Corner Button (Red Square): Press this button when you hear your candidate’s

name to select it (figure 7.4A(1)).

Figure 7.4A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Upper Right Corner Button (Yellow ‘Up’ Triangle): Press this button to repeat the reading of the

current contest from the beginning (figure 7.4A(2)).

Lower Left Corner Button (Orange Circle): Press this button when you are ready to cast your

ballot (figure 7.4A(3)).

Upper Left Corner Button (Black ‘Down’ Triangle): Press this button to skip the current

candidate or instruction (figure 7.4(4)).

The voter will be asked to press each button. As they do so, the function of each button will be

explained. Besides these four basic buttons, several option keys will be introduced for advanced

voters who are familiar with the layout of a keyboard.

If the voter wants to listen to the instructions again, all they have to do is press the long narrow

‘Space Bar’ on the bottom row of the keyboard, shown in figure 7.4A(5).

Figure 7.4A(4)

Figure 7.4A(3)

Figure 7.4A(2)

Figure 7.4A(1)

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

For each contest, the system will read the first candidate’s name, wait for the voter’s response,

and move on to the next candidate if the voter did not select the previous one, until all candidates

are read. If a write-in option is allowed, this option will be read after all candidates are read.

‘Skip Contest’ will be the last choice provided for each contest.

The voter simply presses the ‘square button’ when the desired candidate’s name is read. The

system will immediately confirm that the voter has selected this candidate for the current contest.

The voter will be directed to vote for the next choice or contest.

If the voter knows how to type on a keyboard, he or she can write-in a candidate by typing with

the QWERTY keyboard. If the voter does not know how to type, he or she can press the ‘up

triangle button’ to scroll through the alphabet list and press the ‘square button’ to select letters

one at a time. Once a name is completely entered, the voter should press the ‘circle button’ to

continue.

For public questions, the voter will hear the options ‘Yes’, ‘No’ and ‘Skip Choices’ after the

question has been read.

When the voter has made his or her choices for every contest and question on the ballot, the

system will read back every selection, one by one, for the voter to review or change. To change

Figure 7.4A(5)

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

a selection, press the ‘square button’ after you hear that selection. You will be brought back to

that contest to make another choice.

If you are satisfied after you hear every selection, press the ‘circle button’ twice to confirm

casting your ballot. If printing the VVPB is required by your jurisdiction, after the voter casts

the ballot successfully, a VVPB will be printed and withdrawn immediately if the voter used the

voice-assisted voting because the system assumes that the voter is not able to visually review the

VVPB. Instead, the system will read what has been printed on the VVPB back to the voter

giving a chance to ‘review’ it.

7.5 PROVISIONAL VOTING

When a voter needs to vote provisionally, a polling official needs to issue a provisional voter

card. After the card is encoded, the polling official records the VID number shown on the

computer screen onto the voter’s provisional envelope. After receiving the provisional voting

card from the polling official, the card can be used on any voting unit. A message will appear on

the touchscreen notifying the voter that he or she will be voting on a provisional ballot, as shown

in figure 7.5A.

Figure 7.5A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

The provisional voter can vote on the touchscreen voting unit exactly the same as a registered

voter would. When the ballot is cast, the voting unit will encode the result onto the smart card

and voting machine. Check with your election administrator about whether you need to tell the

voter to seal the smart card inside the envelope after the ballot is cast.

7.6 UNLOCKING A FLEEING VOTER SCREEN

A fleeing voter refers to a voter who has left the polling place without casting the activated ballot

on the touchscreen voting unit. The voting system has a built-in feature to protect the privacy of

such a voter and reset the machine to be ready for the next voter.

After a ballot has been activated and presented on the touchscreen, a warning message will

appear if no one touches the screen within the preset time limit (adjustable by your election

administrator), asking the voter to touch anywhere on the touchscreen to turn off the warning

message. This is shown in figure 7.6A.

If there is still no response within the next 10 seconds, figure 7.6B will appear to lock down the

system.

Figure 7.6A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Insert the poll worker cards. Once the required number of cards has been read, you will have the

chance to unlock the screen.

 If your state law stipulates that a fleeing voter’s ballot should not be counted, you should

see figure 7.6D displayed on the screen, meaning the previous ballot has been spoiled

automatically and the machine is ready for the next voter.

 If your state law requires that a fleeing voter’s ballot be counted, you should see figure

7.6C after the polling official login has been accepted. Please check around to see

whether the voter is still present and make your selection in figure 7.6C accordingly.

You will be asked to confirm your choice. If you confirm to cast the ballot, both counters

will increase their reading by one count and the computer will record the ballot ‘As Is’.

If you confirm to spoil the ballot, the current ballot will be deleted from the computer’s

database and the counter reading will not change.

Figure 7.6B

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Once you see the screen return to figure 7.6D, the machine is ready for the next voter.

Figure 7.6C

Figure 7.6D

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

8 CLOSING THE POLL

The ‘Close Poll’ procedure is the last step that you need to complete at the polling place. After

this step, all voting machines will no longer accept ballots and generate a tally result in the forms

of a paper report and a CD. The tally results from each voting machine may be consolidated at

the polling place to form a polling place tally total. Polling officials will shut down each voting

unit and transport the tally result to the tabulation center.

8.1 EXITING THE VOTING SCREEN

After the last voter has finished voting, figure 8.1A should be displayed on the touchscreen.

To exit figure 8.1A and go back to the administrative screen where you can perform the ‘Close

Poll’ function, insert a poll worker card. Figure 8.1B will appear on the screen asking for

additional poll worker cards if necessary.

Figure 8.1A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Figure 8.1C will appear when the required number of poll worker cards has been inserted.

8.2 CLOSING THE POLL ON EACH VOTING UNIT

Since every voting unit runs independently, you need to close each machine individually.

Unlatch and open the front of the printer unit. Choose the ‘Close Poll’ button from figure 8.1C.

Figure 8.2A will appear asking you whether you are ready to close the poll.

Figure 8.1B

Figure 8.1C

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

If you choose the ‘Yes’ button, figure 8.2B will appear asking you to confirm that you want to

close the poll.

Press the ‘Yes’ button in Figure 8.2B to continue. When the computer starts to close the poll,

there will be a status bar informing you of the current task being processed. Wait for the printer

to start printing. If the voting unit has any fleeing voter’s ballot casts or any offline paper

records, the printer will print and withdraw such records, one by one. After that, the system will

begin generating and printing the tally report. Do not pull the paper out of the printer before it is

fully presented. Remove the paper tally report. Staple the report together if there are multiple

pages printed. The computer will complete copying data onto the CD. You will see a ‘Done!’

Figure 8.2A

Figure 8.2B

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

message when the computer has successfully completed the ‘Close Poll’ procedure, shown in

figure 8.2C.

The CD should be ejected automatically. Remove the CD from the CD drive. If the CD has not

been properly labeled to identify the source (at least showing the serial number of the voting

unit), please do so immediately after you get hold of the CD.

Press the ‘OK’ button shown in figure 8.2C. The computer screen will now show figure 8.1D.

If you need additional copies of the tally report, you can press the ‘Print Tally Report’ button to

print additional copies of the tally report.

Figure 8.2C

Figure 8.2D

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

8.3 SHUTTING DOWN THE SYSTEM

When you want to shut down the system, press the ‘Exit’ button shown in figure 8.3A

You need to confirm in Figure 8.3B to shut down the system

After you press the ‘Yes’ button in Figure 8.3B, the system will start to shut down. When you

see the computer screen turn black, you can lower the machine to its minimum height. Unplug

Figure 8.3B

Figure 8.3A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

the power cord from the wall outlet and put it back in the battery compartment, shown in figure

8.3C.

Turn off the TrippLite unit by moving the power switch back to the center as demonstrated in

figure 8.3D. Lock the battery box and the back service door.

You may leave the seal of the VVPB compartment door intact. The seal will be broken later if a

manual recount is required. Now you must remove and stow the privacy curtains (a process

illustrated in figure 8.3E). To do so, first lower the machine as much as possible. Pull the

curtain rods out of the top of the voting machine. Fold the three rods so that they lie parallel to

each other. Next, roll up the curtain around the rods. Now raise the voting machine up as high

Figure 8.3C

Figure 8.3D

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Close the front cover of the machine. Lock the two locks on the front of the machine and the one

on the side.

8.4 DELIVERING THE TALLY RESULT

After the machine is shut down, polling officials are responsible for delivering the tally result to

the tabulation center. Make sure that you have the CD from every voting unit, the ‘total’ CD if

you have consolidated your polling place’s tally, and the paper tally reports for each voting unit.

Each CD should be properly labeled to identify the source of tally result, and be packaged to

keep it from physical damage. The tally report from each voting unit should be stapled

separately. Follow your election procedure and bring all of the required items with you for

delivery.

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

9 OTHER DUTIES

Besides the regular polling official duties explained in the previous sections, there may be other

responsibilities as explained below.

9.1 VOTING DEMONSTRATION (‘TEST VOTING’ MODE)

Any voting unit can be used as a demo machine to train voters on how to vote on the touchscreen

system. You must NOT perform the ‘Open Poll’ procedure on the demo-voting unit unless you

want to turn this demo unit into a real voting unit.

To set up a demo machine, follow the instructions in section 3. Once you get to the

administrative screen as shown in figure 9.1A, press the ‘Begin Voting’ button.

You will see figure 9.1B appear confirming that you are running the ‘Test Voting’ mode.

Figure 9.1B

Figure 9.1A

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

Press the ‘OK’ button in figure 9.1B. You will see figure 9.1C appear, indicating that the

machine is ready for you to use the ‘Test Voting’ feature. Please refer to section 6 for

instructions on how to vote on the voting unit.

To get a ‘Test Voting’ ballot, you need a ‘Test Voting’ card. Please refer to section 6.2.1 for

how to get a ‘Test Voting’ card. This card is reusable for repetitive test voting.

To exit the ‘Test Voting’ mode and return to the administrative screen (figure 9.1A), insert as

many poll worker cards as the machine requires.

Figure 9.1C

Full-Face Polling Official’s Manual Version 2.0 January 31, 2007

9.2 CHANGING THE PAPER ROLL

This task should rarely be rarely necessary during an election. Each printer will have a new,

1,000 ft. roll of paper when it arrives at a polling location. In case the paper runs out during an

election, it needs to be changed. To remove the paper, unlock the top and side locks on the

printer, shown in figures 3.1J(1), 3.1J(2), and 3.1J(3). Lower the front panel of the printer and

lift up the top, exposing the printer inside, re-pictured here in figure 9.2A.

The first thing you must do is remove the remaining paper from the printer. To do so, you must

unlock the paper from the printer, and then remove the paper roll from the printer. To unlock the

paper from the printer, press on the metal tab shown in figure 9.2B(1) until the adjacent metal

plate flips up (figure 9.2B(2)). Pull the paper out from the printer (figure 9.2B(3)) until the paper

completely wrapped around the roll (figure 9.2B(4)).

Figure 9.2A

Avante Technology VT-EVC308-FF42 Electronic Voting Machine User Manual

Avante International Technology, Inc. Electronic Voting Machine

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